Forever Synth

Prologue 1.0.6: Field of Hopes and Dreams

My eyes slowly fluttered open as I felt a small gentle shake on my arm. Observing around with sleepiness to see Rosaria smiling all warmly while she points towards the window. Taking a quick glance, I noticed they're no buildings in sight. Instead, a vast open space full of lush green grass. The many compact houses are now scattered with smaller houses strewed about. Rosaria's hand rests on my hand, her body leaning and pressing beside me. Her head rested on my shoulder as we became entranced by the scenic landscape.

The carriage would continue into a small village. The buildings became packed again yet still had large gaps in between to continue viewing beyond. At the center was a large bazaar for venues to offer trinkets, handicrafts, and even prepared food. People were out shopping and other transportation carriages were driving past us.

With everything happening at a slower pace than the city inside the kingdom, we spotted a line of soldiers stationed in the middle of the road. The carriage made a quick stop while Rosaira and I were dumbfounded about what was happening outside. Our helmsman quickly got off the driver's seat and was talking to the guards.

I tried to peek around in the carriage to get a better look outside, asking quietly, "Are we here already?"

Rosaria replied, sharing the same questioning concerns, "No, we're here to restock and meet up with our team."

The team I questioned, wondering who else would be here. Then it hit me instantly, my eyes widened with hurried eagerness. My cheek pressed firmly against the glass, while I frantically looked around. Rosaria asked with worry, unbeknownst to my search, "What's wrong?"

I answered, my lips curling slightly to express my excitement, "If we're here to meet up with the team, that means..."

Rosaria joins me, pressing her cheek up against the glass. Both of us looked out the window in sync and her eyes lit up with mine. Surprised and so expressive to finally find the person we'd hoped to meet again. We burst through the door before the helmsman could grasp the handle.

What caught our sight first was his heavy smooth plated regal armor. Completely covered from shoulder to toe. Traces of silver and gold decals, a royal cape flowing behind, and baring the Lucidia engraving right over his chest. His belt held a sword on his side and the opposite showed the insignia of his Clan, the Lawrence Clan.

His skin was tan, slightly darker than the last time we'd seen him, yet still had the same short black hair and dark brown eyes. His jawline was sharper, cleaner with no facial hair, and more muscular. I could even dare say, more handsome.

Rosaria couldn't help but rush over to hug him tightly. Ecstatic with a big smile and clung happily to finally see him again after so long. He was taller than both of us, a fully grown adult. His status, the rank of General, shows it proudly.

I smiled brightly as I watched this heartwarming reunion. When she released him from her embrace, he approached me. His hand was out and I immediately grabbed it. My hand clenched his wrist as he clenched mine.

Firmly shaking like brothers in arms, I welcomed him with, "It's great to see you again, William."

He grins and nods in agreement, "It's an honor to see you again, Prince Baron."

Just him calling me by my name was enough to feel like no time had passed. With the introduction out of the way, I too leaned in to hug him. He returned the hug with a pat on my back. To know the person I look up to is still the same person I accolade as General all those years ago.

William led us around the grand bazaar, allowing us to see more of the town we were in. To see so many new things, and to share it all with Rosaria and William. All the things I've seen in the books are now right in front of me. To hold them in my hand, to feel the weight, and to admire craftsmanship up close. It felt like I was back to being a kid again.